Vegan collagen
Collagen is an animal protein, so true vegan collagen from plants does not exist.
Short answer Collagen is an animal protein, so true vegan collagen from plants does not exist. Products sold as vegan collagen are usually blends of vitamin C, amino acids and plant extracts intended to support the body's own collagen.
What is in them
Vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation, often with zinc, silica, glycine or proline. Some newer products use collagen-like proteins made by fermentation.
A straight alternative
A varied diet with enough protein and vitamin C provides the same building blocks. Oriflame's collagen product is of animal origin and is not vegan.
Related pages
- Bovine collagenBovine collagen comes from cattle hide and supplies types I and III.
- Collagen types 1, 2 and 3Type I is the main collagen in skin, bone and tendon; type II is in cartilage; type III sits alongside type I in skin and blood vessels.
- Collagen with hyaluronic acidHyaluronic acid holds water in skin.
- When and how to take collagenTiming makes no proven difference.
Keep exploring
- Vitamin A
- Fibre supplements
- NMN and NAD supplements
- Vitamins and minerals
- Menopause supplements
- Health claims explained
Questions people ask
What should I know about vegan collagen?
Collagen is an animal protein, so true vegan collagen from plants does not exist.
Can I take this with medication?
Ask a pharmacist or GP first; some supplements interact with medicines.
Do supplements replace a balanced diet?
No. They are meant to add to a varied diet, not stand in for one.
Sources
- Great Britain nutrition and health claims register (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Vitamin C (opens in a new tab)
Checked 9 October 2026.